Choosing the right heat pump system: factors to consider for your home's heating and cooling needs

With temperatures dropping and heating bills rising, it’s important to get the right heating solution for your home so that you can live in comfort without incurring huge energy costs during the colder months. 

Heat pumps transfer heat rather than generate it through combustion or by using electricity to directly heat or cool air, which makes them a highly energy-efficient option for heating and cooling homes. 

When choosing a heat pump system, there are a raft of factors to consider; we spoke to Daikin National Sales Manager Gary Chappell to learn more about how to choose the best system for your home and your wallet.

The most important factors to consider when deciding on a heat pump

The three main types of heat pump systems available for residential use are air-source heat pumps, ground-source (geothermal) heat pumps, and water-source heat pumps. Air source heat pumps extract heat from the outdoor air during the heating season and release heat to the outdoor air during the cooling season. 

“They are the most common type of heat pump and are suitable for most climates,” says Chappell. “The efficiency of air-source heat pumps can vary based on factors such as outdoor temperature, system size, and insulation levels.”

The first factor to consider when choosing which heat pump is best for your home is the climate of the region where the home is located. Some heat pumps can cope with colder climates better than others, so it’s important to choose a model that is designed for a cooler climate if that is the case. 

After location, the size and layout of the home itself is the next factor to consider, says Chappell.  

To determine the appropriate size and capacity of a heat pump system, homeowners should seek advice from qualified HVAC professionals who can perform a thorough assessment of the home and provide recommendations for the appropriate size and capacity of the heat pump system. 

“They can conduct load calculations and consider various factors to ensure the system meets the home's specific heating and cooling needs,” says Chappell. 

The location of the units at the property is a key part of the solution. The first step an assessor will make is to conduct a site assessment to determine the best location for the indoor and outdoor units of the heat pump system. Factors such as available space, proximity to electrical connections, and airflow considerations are all evaluated. 

“Based on factors like the size of the home, heating and cooling loads, insulation levels, and climate conditions, the appropriate size and capacity of the heat pump system are determined.”

When choosing which brand to invest in, it’s important to consider the durability and reliability of the heat pump system as it is a significant investment and should last accordingly.  

“Choose a reputable manufacturer with a track record of producing reliable and long-lasting heat pump units.”

In terms of efficiency ratings and certifications, Chappell says there are two efficiency ratings/certifications to look for to ensure the system meets their energy efficiency and performance needs: 

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). SEER measures the cooling efficiency of the heat pump system over an entire cooling season. Higher SEER ratings indicate greater energy efficiency and lower operating costs for cooling.

HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor). HSPF measures the heating efficiency of the heat pump system over an entire heating season. Higher HSPF ratings indicate greater energy efficiency and lower operating costs for heating.

What incentives or rebates are available for homeowners who choose to install heat pump systems?

In New Zealand, there are various incentives and rebates available for homeowners who choose to install heat pump systems to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These incentives and rebates are offered by government agencies, local councils and utility companies with the aim of encouraging the adoption of renewable energy technologies.

EECA Warm Up New Zealand: Healthy Homes Programme: The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) administers the Warm Up New Zealand: Healthy Homes programme, which offers subsidies for insulation, heating, and ventilation upgrades for eligible homeowners. Heat pumps are often included in this programme to provide efficient heating solutions. Eligibility criteria and subsidy amounts vary depending on factors such as household income and property type.

Local council rebates and incentives: Some local councils in New Zealand offer rebates or incentives for homeowners who install heat pump systems or other energy-efficient technologies. These programmes may vary by region, so homeowners should check with their local council for available incentives.

Low-interest loans: In addition to rebates and subsidies, homeowners may have access to low-interest loans or financing options for energy-efficient home improvements, including heat pump installations. These loans may be offered by government agencies, financial institutions, or energy retailers.

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